Buying RV insurance isn’t like buying auto insurance. In reality, the best RV insurance is personalized to your RV, your finances and your lifestyle.

RV insurance essentially combines coverage elements of both auto and homeowners insurance policies – that’s because an RV is essentially a motorized home.

But navigating the waters of RV insurance can be tricky, especially if you’re a first time RV owner looking for specialty, or specialized, RV insurance coverage. Specialty RV insurance offers protection beyond what you would get with your typical auto insurance

Here are some tips on what to look for when personalizing your RV insurance.

Replacement Coverage Details

It’s important to understand how replacement coverage works with an RV insurance policy. Don’t be afraid to ask the agent lots of questions, including whether certain amenities or features of your RV would also be covered in case of a total loss.

This is how auto and RV insurance can differ. For instance, a traditional auto insurance policy covers your car for actual cash value. If you total your 1975 Chrysler Cordoba, don’t expect your insurance company to replace it with a 2015 Acura TLX. Because an RV is a big financial investment, you may consider paying for Total Loss Replacement Coverage. Ask the agent to explain how this works, as it may vary in some cases. For instance, some insurers will offer this coverage only to original owners and will replace your RV with a new one only if it is less than 5  years old, or reimburse you the purchase price if older than that.

Remember that Total Loss Replacement Coverage is usually optional and will add to the cost of your premium - but you may determine it’s worth the expense.

RV Insurance Discounts

There are several ways you can get discounts on your RV insurance, depending on the insurance carrier. Some discounts include:

  • Bundling: If the insurance carrier offers both RV and auto insurance, you may get a discount by bundling it into one policy. If your current auto or homeowners insurance offers RV specialty insurance too, ask your current agent about bundling an existing policy.
  • Pay in full option: Ask the agent what discount you may qualify for if you pay the total premium in full.
  • Safe-driving discounts: You may qualify for a discount with a safe driving record or if you’ve taken a safety course.
  • Storage option: If you only use your RV during certain months of the  year, you could reduce your premium when it’s moth balled. Remember, even though the RV is off the road during certain months, you’ll still want coverage in case of fire, theft, vandalism, etc.

Understanding the basics

This is where your RV insurance is a lot like your auto insurance in terms of types of coverage. The key is understanding your coverage levels and deductibles. Most importantly, you want to have coverage that protects your assets in case of a major accident.

Here are the key components of RV insurance:

  • Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability: This covers injury or loss to other people caused by your RV. It also covers legal costs.
  • Property Damage Liability: This coverage focuses on damage to someone else’s property in an accident when you’re at fault.
  • Medical payments coverage: This level goes toward expenses associated with medical bills of you and your passengers.
  • Collision: This covers damage to your vehicle in a crash and is subject to a deductible.
  • Comprehensive: This coverage will address damage other than a collision, including vandalism, theft, and disasters.
  • Personal Injury Protection: Helps pay for some medical care, lost wages and more.
  • Uninsured Motorist Protection: This covers  you in case your RV is involved in an accident with someone who has no insurance coverage.
  • Underinsured Motorist protection: This insurance kicks in when the damage cost exceeds the amount of coverage on the other driver’s insurance policy.

Additional Type of RV Insurance Coverage

You’ll want to know exactly what’s covered in your policy and consider buying extra coverage if needed. Here are some choices to consider:

  • Personal Belongings Coverage: Your RV most likely contains some expensive personal equipment, including a laptop, cooking supplies, electronics, and more. Sometimes this is included, up to a certain amount, with your policy. If you think you need more coverage, ask the agent what it would cost.
  • Emergency Expense Allowance: If you’re on a road trip and you get into an accident, even minor repairs can take a while. This coverage will reimburse you for lodging and food if you’re stranded.
  • Roadside Assistance: Many carriers will help cover the expenses of roadside assistance, which can be very pricy when it comes to a big RV. This will help cover, or at least partially cover, expenses associated with breakdowns, battery issues, bad fuel, flat tires or if your vehicle gets stuck and needs a tow.
  • Vacation liability: This coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage losses at the site of your vacation. This may or may not be included in the RV insurance policy coverage so ask about it.
  • Windshield coverage: You might consider this special coverage, which will cover or partially cover, the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield.
  • RV medical payments coverage: This option would cover the cost of medical treatment required after an RV accident, even if you are at fault.
  • Trailer coverage: If you are going to attach a trailer, including boat or utility trailer to your RV, ask whether this requires additional coverage.
  • Mexico coverage: The typical U.S. RV insurance policy isn’t enough when you travel south of the border. In Mexico, you need “proof of financial responsibility,” which means your vehicle insurance should be underwritten by a Mexican insurance policy, according to National General Insurance.

Additional benefits and services

Some RV insurers may offer additional benefits and services beyond your insurance coverage. These services can be included in the cost or cost extra. Examples of such services include camping discounts, discounts for vehicle rentals, concierge services, online shopping more.

Get free NY and Pennsylvania RV insurance quotes. Contact an InsuraMatch agent at 855-244-7671 to see how much we can help you save.